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Welcome to Emotion IQ

We Offer Therapy Dog Placement Services

About Our Program

Our program seeks to fund the placement of therapy dogs in K-12 schools, enriching the educational experience and fostering emotional well-being among students. We will secure therapy dogs from reputable providers and ensure they undergo comprehensive training to meet the rigorous standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) for public access. Certification by IAADP-affiliated providers will guarantee that these dogs possess the necessary skills and behaviors to thrive in school environments.

Additionally, our program will prioritize ongoing training throughout each dog’s service lifecycle of five years, ensuring they remain well-equipped to support students effectively. We will cover expenses related to insurance, as well as provide for the well-being of each therapy dog, including food and veterinary bills.

By funding this comprehensive program, we aim to create nurturing and supportive environments within schools, where therapy dogs play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and fostering emotional resilience among students.

General Funding Amount Needed per Therapy Dog: $70,000 to cover initial procurement, training, certification, insurance, and ongoing care for the duration of their service.

Published Statistics

Prevalence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24 in the United States.

Increase in Rates

There has been a concerning increase in suicide rates among youth in recent years. From 2007 to 2018, the suicide rate for individuals aged 10-24 increased by 57.4%, as reported by the CDC.

Mental Health Conditions

The majority of youth who die by suicide have underlying mental health conditions, with depression being one of the most common. Studies suggest that around 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death.

Underreporting

It's important to note that suicide and mental health issues in kids may be underreported due to stigma, lack of awareness, and difficulties in accurately identifying mental health concerns, particularly in younger populations.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges among youth. Studies have shown an increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among children and adolescents as a result of factors such as social isolation, disruptions to routines, and uncertainty about the future.

Benefits of Therapy Dog Placement

Emotional Support

Therapy dogs provide unconditional love, companionship, and comfort, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly associated with mental health issues in children.

Stress Reduction

Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone, and increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. This can be especially beneficial for children experiencing anxiety or trauma.

Mood Enhancement

Spending time with therapy dogs can improve mood and uplift spirits, leading to a decrease in symptoms of depression and boosting overall well-being in children.

Social Interaction

Therapy dogs provide unconditional love, companionship, and comfort, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly associated with mental health issues in children.

Sense of Purpose and Responsibility

Taking care of a therapy dog, even if only during brief interactions, can instill a sense of purpose and responsibility in children. This can foster self-esteem and provide a positive outlet for nurturing and caring behavior.

We Offer Education and Therapy Services for Dog

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Our Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Our mission is to enhance the educational journey of students by advocating for and facilitating the integration of therapy dogs into K-12 schools. Through collaboration with educators, administrators, and therapy dog organizations, we aim to raise awareness of the profound benefits that therapy dogs bring to academic settings. We are dedicated to securing funding and resources to support the training, placement, and ongoing care of therapy dogs in schools, ensuring they become valued members of the learning community. By fostering a culture of empathy, emotional support, and mental wellness, we strive to empower students to reach their full potential and cultivate a positive school environment conducive to learning and growth.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where every school across Tennessee embraces the transformative power of therapy dogs. We believe in creating nurturing and supportive learning environments where the presence of therapy dogs enriches the educational experience for students from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Our vision extends beyond just providing companionship; we aspire to foster emotional well-being, cultivate empathy, and promote mental health awareness among students, educators, and communities at large. Through our commitment to funding the placement of therapy dogs in schools, we strive to create a more compassionate and resilient generation, poised to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a diverse and ever-changing world.